Women: Your Heart Matters Too—Learn How to Take Care of It!

As a cardiologist, I have witnessed the profound impact cardiovascular diseases have on the lives of countless women. There is a common misconception that heart problems primarily affect men, but the reality is that these diseases are just as significant for women—often with more severe complications.

Cardiovascular diseases, which include high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes, are the leading cause of death in Mexico. Every year, one in three Mexicans loses their life to these conditions. Despite these alarming statistics, a lack of awareness and the different ways symptoms manifest in women often lead to delayed diagnoses, increasing the risk of severe outcomes.

Know the Risks: What Every Woman Should Understand

Cardiovascular disease risks can be divided into two categories:

• Non-modifiable risk factors: These are aspects we cannot control, such as age and family history.
• Modifiable risk factors: These are factors we can prevent or manage, including diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol, and smoking.

For women, additional risks may include having experienced high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy or undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. These conditions can significantly increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular issues later in life.

Prevention: Your Best Defense

The good news? You have the power to protect your heart through simple yet effective lifestyle changes:

• Quit smoking.
• Adopt a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats.
• Engage in regular physical activity tailored to your personal needs.

Seeking guidance from a doctor or nutritionist is essential to create a prevention plan that suits your individual circumstances.

Early Detection Saves Lives

One of the biggest challenges with high blood pressure is its lack of symptoms, earning it the nickname “the silent killer.” The only way to detect it is by regularly checking your blood pressure. Here’s what I recommend:

• Check your blood pressure at least once a year starting at age 21.
• After age 40, increase the frequency to every six months.

In the case of heart attacks, common symptoms include chest pain and difficulty breathing. However, for women, these symptoms are often subtler and easily mistaken for other health issues, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatments.

On the other hand, strokes (or brain attacks) may present as difficulty speaking or sudden loss of strength in the arms or legs. At the first sign of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention from a cardiologist or neurologist.

Make Your Heart Health a Priority

To protect your heart, focus on two key pillars:

1. Prevention:

   • Embrace a heart-healthy diet.
   • Follow a regular exercise routine with the guidance of a healthcare professional.

2. Early detection:

   • Schedule regular medical check-ups, which may include electrocardiograms, blood pressure measurements, glucose tests, and stress tests.

Here’s a suggested timeline for these evaluations:

• Every three years for healthy women under 40.
• Every year for women over 40 or those with risk factors.

Informed Decisions Can Make All the Difference

By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Let’s take care of our hearts—because we deserve to live healthy, strong, and vibrant lives.

Dra. Karla Castolo
Cardiologist

About Hospiten

Hospiten is an international healthcare network with over 55 years of experience delivering top-quality medical services. With 20 private hospital facilities in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and Panama, as well as 175 outpatient clinics under the Clinic Assist brand, Hospiten is committed to excellence.

Founded by Dr. Pedro Luis Cobiella, the network serves over two million patients annually and employs more than 5,000 professionals worldwide.

Hospital Paitilla, part of the Hospiten network in Panama, was established in 1975 and is renowned for its expert medical teams across all specialties. With over 600 staff members, the hospital offers an extensive range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and hospital services to meet the needs of its community.